CNN
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed holding “direct talks” with Ukraine on Thursday in Istanbul, as European leaders and america try and push Moscow to agree to a 30-day ceasefire to deliver an finish to the three-year battle.
“We wish to begin instantly, already subsequent Thursday, Might 15, in Istanbul, the place they have been held earlier than and the place they have been interrupted,” Putin mentioned in a uncommon late-night televised deal with. He emphasised the talks ought to be held “with none preconditions.”
“We’re set on critical negotiations with Ukraine,” Putin mentioned, including they’re supposed to “remove the basis causes of the battle” and “attain the institution of a long-term, sturdy peace.”
The proposal got here simply hours after the leaders of Germany, France, the UK and Poland stood alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv and urged Putin to conform to a 30-day ceasefire beginning on Monday or face attainable “large sanctions,” in accordance with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The demand comes with the backing of the White Home after a joint cellphone name with US President Donald Trump, the Europeans mentioned.

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